PREP ROUNDUP
Grand slam, homer pace Dragons vs. Martinsville
Jason Hall-Manley hit a grand slam to start the day, and Zach Lovell followed with a homer to lead the New Palestine Dragons to an 11-1 five-inning baseball win against Martinsville on Monday at New Palestine.
The Dragons slammed both round-trippers — and scored six runs — before the Artesians recorded their first out.
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Hall-Manley now has two homers and 10 RBI in the past two games. He was 3-for-3 with three runs and four RBI, pacing a seven-hit attack. Lovell scored twice, walking and going 1-for-2.
Keegan Watson won his first varsity start, scattering three hits and a run in four innings. He fanned three batters. Patrick Hopkins came on to pitch the fifth inning and allowed two hits but escaped a bases-loaded, none-out jam unscathed to end the game.
The Dragons (3-0, 2-0 Hoosier Heritage Conference) have outscored their foes 34-8 in the season’s three games. They play Friday night at HHC rival Greenfield-Central (0-4, 0-2 HHC) in a doubleheader.
Mt. Vernon picks up first win of season
The Marauders picked up their first win for new manager Ryan Carr on Tuesday night in Fortville with a 9-4 win against the Cardinals.
Brandon Turner led the way for Mt. Vernon, as he went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with two RBI and three runs scored.
Sam McNeely, Tyler Franklin and Ryan Beck each collected a pair of hits, as well. On the mound, Beck (1-0) struck out four, allowed two runs over four innings and picked up the victory for the Marauders (1-2, 0-2 Hoosier Heritage Conference).
Mt. Vernon is back in action Friday, when it hosts a doubleheader with Hoosier Heritage Conference foe Pendlenton Heights (2-0 HHC).
Golf
Cougars take narrow victory against Royals
The Cougars slipped past the Royals 143-145 on Monday night at the Royal Hylands in Knightstown, winning by just two strokes.
Greenfield-Central junior Clayton Long took home medalist honors by shooting a meet-best 43. Following Long were Christian Henderson (47) and Nash Boyd (53).
For Eastern Hancock, Cole Allen led the way, carding a 46. He was backed up by Matt Wilson (48) and Kenny Bunnell (51).
Next up for the Cougars is a Tuesday trip to Valle Vista Country Club in Greenwood where they will take on Whiteland as well as Hancock County foe New Palestine.
The Royals tee off at Royal Hylands on April 16 against Tri.
Softball
Greenfield-Central opens with blowout win
Darcie Huber dominated on the mound and at the dish Monday night in Greenfield, as she led Cougars softball team to a 12-2 Opening Day win against Speedway.
Huber tossed a complete game for Greenfield-Central, striking out 13 while allowing just two hits and two runs over six innings.
At the plate, the junior delivered three hits, including a solo homer, scored three runs and knocked in one to pace the Cougars’ offense.
Also battering Sparkplugs’ pitching were sophomore Jessie Brunk and senior Brie Whitaker, who each collected three hits and scored a pair of runs. Morganne Denny was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI for the Cougars.
The Cougars are back in action Thursday, when they host Connersville.
One’s enough for Royals in 12-inning marathon
It took almost another whole ball game, but the host Royals softball team finally managed to plate a run and squeak past the Golden Eagles 1-0 on Tuesday night in their season-opener.
Kaysi Gilbert ended the hard-fought game with a walkoff hit in the bottom of the 12th inning.
Next up for the Royals (1-0) is a home game Friday against Shelbyville.
New Palestine crushes Southport for home win
The Dragons softball team cruised in their season opener, downing the Cardinals 13-0 Tuesday night in New Palestine.
Senior pitcher Kaylin McMurray (1-0) earned the victory for New Palestine (1-0).
On offense, Adie Lorsung went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. Casey Lehman added a pair of doubles, while Madison Whitaker and Mary Crumlin totaled two hits each.
The Dragons are in action again today at Whiteland.
